Neonatal Asphyxia, What a Radiologist Needs to Know

Abstract

: The findings of hypoxia in the term neonate are unique. Because neonatal brain imaging findings are different from those of older children and adults, evaluation of brain images in the neonate for signs of hypoxic injury requires attention to a specific set of signs. Furthermore, neonatal hypoxic events may be complex and have the component of hypo perfusion that is not typically present in older children or adults. In this article, we review the important sequential signs of neonatal asphyxia in MRI and their probable impact on patients outcome. We would review the different findings in severe complete hypoxia and chronic partial hypoxia. We would also emphasize on the role of CT and ultrasound imaging of brain in the evaluation of neonates who have sustained perinatal asphyxia.